A lot of distraction has been made recently in this forum, yet Im still surprised someone has failed to mention the launch of a long range missile that made it more than half the distance to Alaska was launched by North Korea. N.K. claims it was used to put a satellite in orbit, but everyone is claiming that the rocket and payload landed in the Pacific.

Now how does the world, especially U.N., Moderate a country that has nuclear capabilities, a strong distaste for America, and has two powerful allies in the U.N. with veto capabilities?

The UN couldn't moderate a high school debate (their soldiers are too busy raping the underage students). What's funny is that the news is still trying to convince the public that the UN has power aside from the power to waste unbelievable amounts of money and good will.

They're sure as hell not going to be able to control North Korea or Iran. Lil' Kim was not only testing his limits with Obama but also saying "fuck off" with the same breath. He knew very well Obama was only going to go to the UN and ask for sanctions which china would block unless they were incredibly mild. At no time was there any chance another nation would take action. However, posturing with threats of retaliation enhances his image. It makes it look like he took on big bad ol USA and won while pissing off Japan.

This could just be a little man with little man syndrome or a precursor to strengthening ties with Iran. After all, Russia is making a killing building that nuclear reactor. They might as well cash in on it too. This is a show of "See Iran? We don't care, the west has nothing on us. Wanna buy some missles n shit? We gots nukes!"

sit on their thumbs and hum. it sad though isnt it? the U.N. was established to better the world for all countries and ensure peace. yet it is utterly powerless in this situation. isnt it wonderful that we (America) wanted to bring Georgia into the U.N. and Russia got all pissy. Now one of their allies are acting unfavorably and we cant do a damn thing because they hold veto power. awesome...

The UN couldn't moderate a high school debate (their soldiers are too busy raping the underage students). What's funny is that the news is still trying to convince the public that the UN has power aside from the power to waste unbelievable amounts of money and good will.

They're sure as hell not going to be able to control North Korea or Iran. "

Thank goodness there is no global organization powerful enough to control soveriegn nations. [Although Microsoft comes close ]

Thank goodness there is a global organization that serves as a forum to promote peace through peer pressure. I'll waste my money on that any day.

The UN promotes peace? What planet do you live on and how do I get there?

It is easy to criticize...perhaps you could do better...in which case we'll miss you while you go solve the world's problems.

From UN web site:

In accordance with the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) is dedicated to assisting the Member States and the Secretary-General in their efforts to maintain international peace and security. The Department's mission is to plan, prepare, manage and direct UN peacekeeping operations, so that they can effectively fulfil their mandates under the overall authority of the Security Council and General Assembly, and under the command vested in the Secretary-General.

DPKO provides political and executive direction to UN peacekeeping operations, and maintains contact with the Security Council, troop and financial contributors, and parties to the conflict in the implementation of Security Council mandates. The Department works to integrate the efforts of UN, governmental and non-governmental entities in the context of peacekeeping operations. DPKO also provides guidance and support on military, police, mine action and other relevant issues to other UN political and peacebuilding missions.

Each peacekeeping operation has a specific set of mandated tasks, but all share certain common aims – to alleviate human suffering, and create conditions and build institutions for self-sustaining peace. The substantial presence of a peacekeeping operation on the ground contributes to this aim by introducing the UN as a third party with a direct impact on the political process. In exercise of its tasks, DPKO aims to minimize the many risks to which peacekeepers may be exposed in the field.

Peacekeeping operations may consist of several components, including a military component, which may or may not be armed, and various civilian components encompassing a broad range of disciplines. Depending on their mandate, peacekeeping missions may be required to:
Deploy to prevent the outbreak of conflict or the spill-over of conflict across borders;
Stabilize conflict situations after a cease fire, to create an environment for the parties to reach a lasting peace agreement;
Assist in implementing comprehensive peace agreements;
Lead states or territories through a transition to stable government, based on democratic principles, good governance and economic development.

And when it came to Darfur: The U.N. actually resisted U.S. efforts to label it as a 'genocide' (so they wouldn't have to get involved), at the cost of a mere 300,000 lives, how was that promoting peace?

In reality they only promote peace when it's convenient and the noise gets so great they have to put a band-aid on the problem.

I'm sure all those children who've been raped, sold into prostitution or molested by UN "peace keepers" are thankful. And hey the UN is keeping their peace by pushing it all under a rug like it doesn't happen.

I can put up a website and claim to do all sorts of wonderful things too. That doesn't mean I actually accomplish anything.